Almost every town in Italy has a patron saint and a festa (celebration) to honor the respective saint. Now, I’ve told you how I connected with my family in Sicily in 2018; today I’m going to share with you our experience celebrating La Festa di Sant’Anna in Castelbuono, when we returned in 2019 to see my family and honor Saint Anne.
The tradition of celebrating La Festa di Sant’ Anna goes all the way back to the 1600s—when Sicilian Prince Giovanni III di Ventimiglia returned the skull of St. Anne to Castelbuono, where she had been stolen some years prior. If you’re not familiar with St. Anne, she is the mother of the Madonna, Jesus’ mother, Mary. She is known as the “protector of women” and Castelbuono has had the relic of her skull in the chapel of the castle (to which the town is named after) for centuries. Since her return in 1615, the townspeople and my ancestors + current relatives, celebrate “Sant’Anna” with traditions for days.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, 2020 was the first year La Festa di Sant’Anna was cancelled since the 1600s…but typically, the celebration begins the last week in July. Officially kicking off on July 25, we were able to sneak into town a few days early to see the procession of statues—Sant’Anna and San Gioacchino (her husband)—through the streets. Everyone is in the streets, watching and singing along to praise Sant’Anna. Below you’ll find a video, so you can really experience it!
Starting in the early evening on July 25, there is a medieval parade in the center of town, where the townspeople are invited to dress in medieval attire (think Renaissance Faire, but Sicilian style) and commemorate the return of Sant’Anna’s skull. Immediately following, there is a ceremony in the chapel of the castle, where the keys are handed over to unlock the sacred vault which contains the skull of Saint Anne. The skull is removed only one time per year for this festival, and wrapped in cotton during the remainder of the year for preservation. After the ceremony where the skull is revealed, the cotton is distributed to the townspeople—for good fortune. I was so touched to have received a piece of this cotton. I keep mine in a locket, and gifted my mom and my mother in law with lockets of Saint Anne’s cotton, as well.
The second day, there is a race throughout the cobblestone streets of Castelbuono—the first in all of Italy. Runners travel from all over the world to participate and townspeople stand along the perimeter of the streets to watch. What a thrilling experience!
And on the final night, each church district will march in promenade throughout the streets, with the sacred statues and finally the skull of Saint Anne. Women in the town will show devotion by marching barefoot, as Sant’Anna represents protection and support for all women and any issues women may face. The night ends with an amazing display of fireworks and celebrations all night long.
I cannot wait to return to Castelbuono for the festa—especially with our baby Marco. He has so many relatives and traditions that we are excited to teach him. My parents have not experienced the festa yet either, so we are looking forward to having a grande festa together with our family in Sicily. Fingers crossed for next year!!
